Bourges Ease Their Way Past Wisla

Bourges wrapped up their first win of the EuroLeague Women season by leading from tip to buzzer in a 61-55 success against a short-handed Wisla Can-Pack in Group A.

With the visitors still without the services of WNBA MVP Tina Charles and also suffering from the loss of veteran Katie Douglas who is sidelined with an injury, Bourges were always favourites to edge this one.

And, with a number of French players buoyed by their Olympic silver medal success, there was a spring in the step of the home team who scored the first six points of the contest and that set the tone.

Playmaker Celine Dumerc was back directing traffic but unlike her mesmerising performances in London which were characterised by her willingness to score, this time she stayed creator and had five assists.

That wasn't surpising with the newly arrived Frida Eldebrink alongside her and impressively continuing where she left off during the summer for Sweden when she was the most prolific player of EuroBasket Women qualifying.

She scored 18 points as Bourges went in front early and kept Wisla at arms' length for the most part.

They built up a double-digit lead by early in the second quarter at 33-23 and whilst the visitors got within two points at 47-45 in the last period, Bourges always looked more likely to step it up in the closing stages and that is exactly how it panned out.

Cristina Ouvina had a creditable 10 points and five assists on her EuroLeague Women debut for the losing team.